Valencia secure Ruiz deal

Valencia have secured the signing of Victor Ruiz from Napoli, just months after the defender joined the Italian club.

Last Updated: 30/08/11 5:18pm

Ruiz: Has returned to Spain with Valencia after spending a few months in Italy with Napoli

Valencia have secured the signing of Victor Ruiz from Napoli, just months after the defender joined the Italian club.

Ruiz linked up with Napoli on a long-term contract from Espanyol in the January transfer window, but has now returned to Spain.

He has signed a five-year deal with Valencia and will undergo a medical on Tuesday before being presented as the club's new signing.

Valencia technical secretary Braulio Vazquez believes the acquisition of Ruiz, who helped Spain win the European Under 21 Championship earlier this summer, will prove to be "an important step forward" for Los Che.

He told the club's official website: "[Ruiz is] of the highest level in Europe. He has great technique, positional sense and strength.

"He will help to complement our existing defence and offer something different to our squad.

"He is a player with a big future ahead of him, and will definitely shine in the present.

"We are proud to have him here, and to have reached an agreement for his signature after a difficult negotiation process, because Napoli valued him very highly.

"I think that with Victor on board, we have taken an important step forward."